Controlling system for signaling-circuits.



Paentad Dec. 2, 1913.

WITNESSES C. E. BEACH n H. W. DOUGHTY.

GONTROLLING SYSTEM FOR SIGNALING CIRCUITS.

APICATON FILED 0UT.31,1910.

Patented Dec. 2, 1913.

4 SHEETSASHBET 2.

INVENTOR 1/ /zwm 7W@ Ama:

U. E. BEACH @L H. W. DOUGHTY.

coNTRoLLING SYSTEM POR sIGNALmG CIRCUITS.

APPLIUATION FILED 0GT.31.19X0.

Patented Deo. 2, 1913.

4 SHEETS-BHEBT 3.

WITNESSES: -INVENTORS f '/f im @ig 5 @M @uw M fwu C. BEACH 5; W. DOUGHTY..

"'--:TRoLLING SYSTLM PQR SIGNALING CIRCUITS.

APPLIOATIUN FILED OGT.31,1910.

Patented Dec. 2, 1913.

UNITED STATES PATENToFFIoE.

CLARENCE iE. BEACH AND HERMAN W. DOUGHTYOF VBINGHADIITON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNORS T O GEORGE O. KNAPP, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

lSpecification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 2, 1913.

anpueation ined october 31, 1910. serial No. 589,958.

To all-whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, :CLARENCE E. BEACH and HERMAN W. DOUGHTY, citizens of the United Sta-tes, residing at Binghamton, in the county of Broome and State 'of New -York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Controlling Systems for Signaling-Circuits, of which the following lis a specification. f

.A ()ur invention relates to the systems of' controlling switches frequently employed at the central oices of signaling systems,- such as fire-alarm and police-telegraph systems,-whereby the connections betweenthevarious signaling circuits andthe signaling instruments provided therefor in the cent-ral oflice are controlled, and certain or all of the signaling circuits are permitted to be connected in one series, o-r in oneI or mor groups without thereby interrupting any o said circuits.

The objects of our invention are: First,

to sim lify both the construction and oper..-

tion o such controlling systems; second, to Iprovide means whereby a defective circuit can be disconnected from its signaling instrument, and at the same time bc so isola-ted from the other circuits that no movement of the controlling switches provided for the other circuits can cause any electrical connection to be established between any of them and such defective circuit; third, tov

substitute, when needed, a resistance for the magnet 'of thesignaling instrument when 'a magnet thereof is out out' of the signaling circuit, so as to avoid changes in the strength of the current flowing inthe signaling circuits in order that, in the lsystems to which the invention particularly relates, the proper. A

operation of the non-interfering signalin lnstruments which requlre' a hne current o constant value, may be secured, and the resistance of such circuits, due mainlyitothe presence of the said. magnets may be mam- In constructing our invention We provide a gang various contacts, and such wiring as will enable the intended results to be accompished.

" Vhere the conditions of service malte the use of'such parts desirable, We also pr vide resistance which is automatically in'c ded inithe circuit whenever the gang switch has switch for each signaling circuit," comprising the necessary switch arms, their j been moved to a posit-ion where the magnet of the signaling instrument is not included 1n its signaling circuit, a bar pro-vided with latches whereby any or all of the various gang switches may be engaged and simultaneously operated, and suitable means for automatically locking the bar when it is moved to its normal position and permitting said bar to be released for movement` to one of its abnormal positions without leaving it f ree to be moved to its other abnormal position.

In order that our invention may be better ..unde1'"s`tood, we show, in the drawings accompanyn g and forming part of this specification, some of the forms of vour Vcontrolling system which are suited to be'applied to a municipal fire-alarm systemusing an automat-ic repeater as the signaling instrument the connection with which is to be co'ntrolled, but itis evident that our invention is equally well adapted for use for controlling the connection bet-Ween signaling circuits and their relays, registers, transmlttrs or other instruments controlling or v,controlled by such circuits, and that our invention is as well adapted for use with other classes of signaling circuits as with municipal 4fire-alarm systems. We, therefore, do

notdesireto'li'mit ourselves to the form or arrangement of parts shown in the drawings and hereinafter described to facilitate the clear understanding of our invention, 'as various changes in form and arrangement, and the insertion or omission of vario-us partsv may be made Without departing froml the spirit of our invention, as defined by the ap-l pended claims. I

In theA drawings forming part 'of this specification like numerals of reference denote the sameparts throughout. l

Figure 1 represents a diagrammatic view of a signaling system controlled in accordance with our invention; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a switchboard equi pcd with the controlling switches shown in i 1;, Fig. 3 represents an enlarged `section o a portion of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 represents a'secti'o'n on the line A-A of Fig. 2vwith the bolt in posi- "tion to engage the yoke of the gan switch`;`

pans

Fig. 5 represents a section of t e shown in Fig.V 4 withA the bolt withdrawn; Fig. 6 represents adiagrammatic view ofa. modification of vthe signaling system:"fshownk Ain Fig. 1;' and Fig. 7 reprsente a diagrammatic view of another .modification of the signaling system shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to. Fig. 11, 1, 1,v represent the line wires of circuits I, II, and III, 2, 2, 2, represent the batteries for said circuits, and 3, 3, 3, represent Signal transmitting or signal boxes included in said circuits which, as will be understood from the following description, may be 'of a non-interfering type requiring for their proper operation a substantially uniform line current strength. One or more gongs or other signal-receiving instruments may be provided in said system, as 4 shown included in circuit III.

The gang switches 5, 6, and 7, provided for circuits I, II., and III each comprise the switch arms 8, 9, and 10, which are mounted on the pivots 11, 12, and 13, respectively, and the contact points 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22,v which are so spaced and construct-ed that when one of the switch arms 8, 9, or 10 is moved from one of said contact points with 'which it engages to another,

such arm will not ceaseto be in contact with one of suchcontact points until it is in contact with the other. The yoke-s 23 are provided and connected to the free ends of the Asaid swit'cli arms, and the knobs 25 (Fig. 2)

are provided for limitingthe travel of said switches.

The circuit controllers 26, magnets 27, cylinder 28, and brushes 29 form part of the 'structure of an automatic repeater, based upon that disclosed in the Letters `Patent to Francis A. Skelton, No. 569,250, 'dated December 28,1897, which repeater forms no part of our present invention, and vbeing well understood by those skilled in this art, we will not here` describe it.

The left-hand terminals 30 andthe righthand terminals 31 are the terminals of the mechanism representing circuits I, II and III on the repeater and may be connected to such mechanlsm in anyl ordinary manner. The parts 26, 27, 28 and 29 of this automatic"repeater are, for clearness sake, shown separately for each switch, though in practice only one repeater or equivalent mechanism is used. I One of the line wires 1 of each of the circui'ts is connected with a corresponding terminal 31 of the automatic repeater, and the other line Wire 1 of each of the circuits is connected with corresponding pivot 12.

The contact points '14, 19 and 21 of each ofthe gang switches 5 and 6 are connected together by the wires 32 and 33, and .said contacts are connected by the wire 34 with the pivot 11 of the next gang switch to the right.

The contact points 14, 19 and 21 of gang switch 7 are likewise connected with each other by wires 32 and 33, but inasmuch as there is no gang switch to the right of gang switch 7 in the system shown inl Fig. 1, thesev contact points are connected by the wire 3 5 with the pivot 11 of the gang switch 5, located at the extreme left of the series.

The-contactpoints 16 land 17, of each of the gang switches 5, 6 and 7, are connected together by the wires 36, and with the correspondingterminals 31 vof the repeater by the wires 37, and the wires 38 connect the contact points 15 of each of the gang switches 5, 6 and 7 with the corresponding terminals 30 repeater. l

The contact points 18 and 20 of each of the gang switches 5, 6 and 7 are Iconnected by wires 40, and the contact points 20 and 22 of said switches are connected by the wires 41.

The pivot 13 of the gang 'switch 5 is connected by wire 39 with the contact point 22, forming part of the gangswi'itch 6, and the pivot- 13 of the gang switch 6 is likewise connected by wire 39 to the contact point22,A

forming part of the gang switch 7; but the pivot 13 ofthe gang switch 7 ,esame being the extreme right-hand gang switchfQ-is connected by the wire 4 2 with the contact point 22 forming partI of the gangswitch 5,-the extreme lefbhand circuit.

To applyv our invent-ion to a signaling system comprising a different number of circuits from that shown in Fig. 1,-gang switches similarv to those shown in Fig. 1 should be provided for each of the circuits, said `switches to`be connected in a' series according to the the first and last switches of such series connected in the same manner that equivalent parts ofthe gang switches 5 and 7 are shown to' be connected in. Fig. 1*,fand the connectlo'n between switches which are adprovided on Y theA automatic schemeshown in Fig. 1, with-A asl jacent ini-.such series should be the saine as that shwn in Fig. 1 for. the connection' between equivalent zparts of the gang switches I In signaling systems employing a transmitting or repeating signaling as, for instance, that shown in Fig. 1, it

lis usual to provide switches whereby all simultaneously connected to or disconnected from such instrument,

the circuits can be and when so disconnected be either in series with each other, or by useof a separate setof switches be left in parallel with and dis-A connected from 'each other, and to provide inde endent switches whereby any circuit can e disconnected from such instrument,

while leaving the others connected thereto. By the use of the system of wiring,'shown in Fig. 1, in connection with the mechanism shown in Fig. 2, all of these results are ac complishedwith the gan switches.

instrument,

use ofthe one set'of' e yokes23 are provided withnotches.

43 (see Figs. 2, 4 and 5) adapted to be e11- gaged by the. bolts 44, mounted in the sleeves 45 carried by the bar 46.

{lhe bar 46 is provided with slots 47, Vwhich slots are of such width as to perthe body of the screw 4.8 to pass through freely, and of such length as to permitthe bar 46 to have the necessary longitudinal travel.

The posts 49 (see Fig.y 3) are mounted in suitable relation to the yokes 2.3, so that when the har 46 is attached to said posts by means ofthe screws 48 the travel of the bolts 44 will be coincident with the travel of the notches 43.

The arm 5() is pivoted at 51 and is prov' led at its free end with the handle 52 and is connected to the bar 46 by the bolt 53.

The sleeves are provided with a recess containing the spring 55, one end of which spring rests against the shoulder 45 of the sleeve 45, and the other end of said spring 55 presses against the shoulder'44 formed ou the bolts 44 (scc Figs. 4 and 5) thus tending to move said bolts into a position where they will engage the notches 43.

A slot 54 is provided in one wall of the sleeves 45, and the pins 56 carried by the bolts 44 are arranged to move in the slot 54, thus providing a limit for the travel of said bolts 44 in the direction of the yokes 23. Said slots 54 are of such length that, when the bolts 44 are fully withdrawn from the path of the notches 43, the pins 56 may be fully withdrawn from the slots 54, and thereupon the bolts 44 may be held out of engagement with the notches 43 by turning said bolts 44 so as to bring the pins 56 out of line with the slots 54 (see Fig. 5); the knobs 57 being provided for the. purpose of operating the bolts 44.

The. spring catches 58.and 58 (see Figs. 2 and 3) are provided at their free ends with the operating knobs 59 and 59 respectively; the spring catch 58 being mounted upon the bar 46 in such relation to the head ot' one of the screws 48 as to tend to engage therewith whenever it is attempted to move the bar 46 from its normal position (where the engagement of the bolts 44 with the notches 48 would cause the yokes 23 to holdl the respective switch arms in engage-- ment with their contact points 15, 18 and Q1), to the position where the engagement of said bolts 44 and notches 43 would cause said switch arms to be brought into Contact with their corresponding contact points 14, 17, and 20; and the spring catch 58 is so lmounted upon the bar 46 as to tend to en-y gage with the head of one of the screws 48 whenever it is attempted to move said bar 46 from its normal position, hereinbefore described, to the position where. by means of the engagement of the bolts 44 with the notches 43, the various switch arms would be moved so as to ,iease to rest upon their Contact. points 15, 18 and 21, and instead, rest upon their contact points 16, 19 and 22.

The spring catches and 58' are of such form. and niaterial that they are sufliciently -fiexible to permit their free ends being sprung away from the bar 46 by their knobs 59 and 591, so that the heads of the screws 48 will noty obstruct; the movement of said catches. and they will thus permit the bar 46 to more longitudinally.

4In many signaling r stems employing an automatic repeater similar to that repre sented in Fig. 1, the resistance of the balance of the circuits is so low with relation to the resistance ct the rcpmiier magnets, that when sufficient batterv power is applied to maintain the proper ticw of current when such repeater mag is are included in said circuits, un excessive.: current will low in such circuits if their repeater magnets are cut out. and as the action of cutting out said whenever said magnets have been cut out of their circuits, and for this purpose we provide the resistanccs 60 (see Fig. 6), said resistances being included in the respective wires 37.

Vlien all the parts are in theirnormal positions. the bar 46 is locked by the engagement of the free ends of the spring catches 58 and 58 with their respective screws 48, the bolts 44 are projecting into the notches 43, and the gang switches 5, 6 andl 7 are thereby positively held in the position wnere their respect'ize arms are resting upon the contact piante i5, and 21, (see switch 7, Figs. 1 and 2). The course of the current in the various circuits would then be as follows: in circuit l. from battery through wire 1 to pivotr 1Q of switch 5, through arm 9 to contact point 18 of said switch 5, thence through wires 40.. il and 42 to pivot 13 of switch '7, through l() to contact lpoint 2l of said switch 7. tlwncc through wire 35 to pivot 11 of switch l), through arm to contact point 15 of mit! switch thence through wire 38 to terminal Pit), through mechanism of the automatic. repeater representing circuit I to terminal 3l. thence through wire 1 and signal boxes 3. 3, 3, of circuit l to the other side of the battery of .said circuit l; in circuit ll, from battery Q' through wire 1 to pivot 12 ot switch 6. through arm 9 to contact point 't8 of said switch 6, thence through wires 40, 4l and S9 to pivot 13 of switch 5, through arm 10 to contactI point 21 of said switch 5, thence through wire 84 to vpivot 11 of switch 6, through arm 8 to conof the knob from th:

tact point 15 of said switch 6, thfinft: thi-m wit-n 38 to terminal 30, through machin' hf insulin-iis repef'xtar ltpifffifiiiiiy nimmt .i to te :muil Si hunne thinugh w :u l frn,

ii-oxs 3, j @if ciiwsnit il to the: mi" .fitte if the hatrxv if 'ii'nnit [i: tii'nnii IH, inm Latter); i tu piif'ot nl" vh i', Thur: mntafft point 18 of sind switch i. lh; thimigh Wires 40, eil, und Iii) tu piwt 'i- :switch 6, tht'migh firm lt t0 contati; .un of Said swiuzh f3, thence through wir@ i .i pivot 1l of switcl. thihngh um t@ frm tact point l5 o? said Switch 7, thenff i'V4 wir@ 38 t0 terminal 30, lhlfnigh in of automatic repeater rpiescnting III to terminal Si., thence thttmgh Wirt) gong 15 and Sigia; ffii 'i Off ff *f- 't v 1f it thxh' 'f cuit rm'n the connect said circ* to form one series circuit., disengaging the spring 48 with whiffh it normali moving the arm 5() tu t 1 Gf the handit? und thm: Wuming; if and the switthvs 5, :inni "(7 which netzteil to miti has flt by hmm* of 44 until ijhfe respective winst It? sind sfitches 5, H, and 7 iii-iw ifm-fn niuvetl to the right uni l Stoppin 2.3 {sin} switch 5 iu lfigs. l. and

O if

i they' :me bmuv'hl, a ainst their 2). The cours@ uit' the ift 'ent through this system wuuiuf thGn he tinjmigh wir@ l from battery i2 nf circuit l, t0 pivot 12 of switch 5, through arm 5) tu Contact point. 'i9 of Suid switch 5, thefnre through Wires 33 und Si t0 pivot 1l me switch 6 through mni S to cui tact, point l@ if the im Y, fj) to tni'nniml Signal x il tn gialli' w in mangas ein he done hy iiishngfeging ihfi:

tsmn they hvmii nl' the i'ierw fll with whith notnmlly engager@ :tml then nmviif Ehe nrw 5) to tlY hilt. hy nimm fsf th :div 313A and thus moving; thv wir Mi unil i i3, and T until their firms fr lum.- movml to the left until thm um hi' light against limi? stopping iii" (29 Switch (lin :ulti Tim wmifi'imi' {in} tiifum* @mh uf tlm fitti: miti tit-n im thwngh wim l if: 1mm' Uf nt 'Wing switffh repre-shining such circuit; thxwtfgh win 3 lu -nnl'act point l?, thenffn through wir@ Il.;y ttinfi il'nwmgh iesistv" if if the Synmn Az'anir m shmvn ai to twninfii then@ thrtmgh nire l.,y af l: fh i) (with n cuss of f-linnfli 'u irait f1 w1'- fn'a le with tin: me vynil nnflei u str2. thi@ @un l@ Y A iifnii' ing' they .fgning witch nimm of the hun!) 59T 11min the htnil of haar firnvr 4S with which it nimaliy engagc. und tix-f1 moving the;A ann Si) tu the left, by means 0i' they handle 52. until the Switvh arms of the gang switches 5. 6, and have been moved to the lef(y until they are brought against their stoppins Q5, then Withdraw the bolt 44 of such circuity or circuits as it is desired t0 leave disconnected and turn .such bolts H m that their pinsAG will nut be in line with th@` Sintil 554. and the har 4.6 .may than he rvtninetl tu its normal poaition, anti thereby mul pniftimi vl i, l

battery 2 through wire f.. of circuit I to pivot 12 of gang switch 5, through arm 9 to contact point 19 ot' said switch :7, thence through wires 33 and la to pit` at 1 1 ol gang switch G, through arm t5 to cnuiact point l!Y of said switch 6, thence through wires iZ, 253 and 34 to pivot l1 of gang switch 7, through arm 8 to contact point 15 ot said switch 7, thence through wire 218 to terminali liti ot the automatic repeater, through the repeater mecha nism representing circuit III to terminal 31, thence through wire l, gong 1t, and signal boxes 3, 3, 3 to battery 2 ot' circuit III, thence through wire 1, to pivot 1Q of gang switch 7, through arm 9 to contact point 18 of said switch 7, thence through wires 40, 41 and 39 to pivot 13 of gang switch 6, through arm 10 to contact point 2O of said switch 6, thence through wires 11 and 239 to pivot 13 of gang switch through arm l() to coiitact point 22 ot' said switch 5, thence through wire 42 to pivot 13 of gang switch 7, through arm 10 to contact point Q1 ot said switch 7, thence through wire 35 to pivot ll of gang switch 5, through arm to contact point 16 of said switch 5, thence through wires 3G and 37 (and through resistance (it) it the system is arranged as shown in Fig. (i) to terminal 31. thence through wire 1, signal boxes 3, 3, 3 bach; 1e lottery ot' circuit I. In circuit II, from battery 2 through wire 1 to pivot 12 of gane' su itch through arm 9 to Contact point 14. thence through wire 37 (and through resistant-f (it) if the system is arranged as shown in Fig. tl) to terminal 31, thence through wire 1 and boxes 3, 3, f5 back to battery 2 of .said ci uit il.

It will be seen trom the foregoing that, when the gang switches are in their normal positions, each circuit is subjected to the control of two of said gang switches and is connected with the automatic repeater, so t-hat, if one or more ot' said gang switches are moved to their right-heini or series positions, the circuits represented by such switches will be disconnected from the automatic repeater and included in the circuits represented by the switches located immediately to the right otl the switches so operated; or, if the gang switch located at the eXtreme right is so operated, the circuit it represents will be included in the circuit represented by the switch located at the extreme left; and if any one or more of said gang switches are moved to their lett-hand or parallel positions, the circuits represented by such switches will no longer be subject to the control of any other of said gang switches, and no electrical connection with the other circuits can be established between any circuit represented by a gang switch which is standing in its left-hand or parallel position, by means of any other of the gang switches.

It will also be seen that it a gang switch is moved to its right-hand or series position at a time when the next gang switch to its right stands in its left-liand or parallel position, the circuit represented by the gang switch which is in its series position will be connected in series with the circuit represented by the nearest. gang switch, if any, which not standing in its left-hand or parallel po sition, and which is located to the right ot' the gang switch so standing in its series poslt-lon.

It will further be seen that it there are no gang switches standing in other than their parallel posit-ions, located to the right ot a gang switch which is standing in its series position, the circuit represented by the gang switch which is so standing in its series position will be connected in series with the circuit represented by the gang switch, if any, which is not standing in its parallel position and is located farthest to the left of the switch so standing in its series position.

In using the gang switches represented by Figs. 1 andy 6, if all of the gang switches are 'in their normal positions, and a fault develops upon one of the circuits, as, for instance, the line wire of circuit II becoming crossed with some foreign circuit, if the gang switch 6 is moved to its parallel position tor the purpose of disconnecting such faulty circuit II from the automatic repeater, during the movement of said switch 6 from its nor mal to its parallel position, there would be a pointI in its travel where said circuit II would be placed in electrical connection with cir-4 cuit III and thus tend to develop a fault on said circuit III.

The ath as so provided between circuits II and III would be from one ot the wires 1 of circuit II, to terminal 31 and thence through wire 37 ,to contact point 17 and arm 9 of switch 6, or from the other wire 1 to pivot 12 and through arm 9 of said switch 6, or both, to contact point 18, (switch arm being in contact with points 17 and 1S at the same time) thence through 40 to contact point 20; then either through switch arm 10 to contact point 2l of said gang switch (3,

thence through wire 34 to pivot 11 of gang switch 7, through arm 8 to contact. point 15 of said switch 7, thence through wire 38 to terminal 30, through the mechanism ot the automatic repeater representing circuit III to terminal 21 and one of the wires 1 of circuit III; orelse through said switch arm 10 of gang switch 6 to its pivot 13, thence through wires 39, 41 a-nd 40 to contact point 18 of gang switch 7, through arm 9 to pivot 12 of said switch 7 and thus to the other wire 1 of circuit III.

The modified construction represented by Fig. 7 is such that any of the gang switches may be moved from their normal to their parallel positions, without thereby creating any electrir ,l connection between any circuit fieinwj Eg. (E except i, the tol- L- Contact point A att; of each of the ,.c, its contact @filtri lli l said contact point til is connected to contact point 155 et' the saine gang switch by the wire 62, and the dista-nce between such contact points 14 and 15, and the total travel of each gang switch is correspondingly increased. Second,-Each Contact point 17 is omitted, and in its place an extended or double contact 17 is provided and so located in the path of each switch arm 9 that, 'while any gang switch is moved from its normal position to the position Where its switch arm 8 rests upon its contact point 6l, its switch arni J will remain in electrical connection with wire 37 of the circuit represented by such gang switch. Third, Each contact point 2l is on'iitted, and in its place an extended or double contact 2l." is provided and so located in the path ot each of the switch arins Yl that, while any gang switch is moved trom its normal position to the Vposition where its :carin Y rests upon its contact point ti t, its switch arm ,ttl will ren'iain in eletiatrical connection with the wire t leading to the piwt li ot the next gang ewitch in the se riesI-r It will thus be eeen that any one ot the gang switchee` represented by' Fig. 7 muy be moved from its normal to its parallel position without thereby establishing any electrical connection between the circuit represented by the switch so moved and any ot the other circuits, for the reason that in so moving; any such gang switch there is no electrical comiection. estublishe between its wire Al-t and the wire 34 leading from its contact point Qi to the pivot 1l of the next gang switch in the series, at any time 'when said wire et() is in electrical connection with the circuit represented by the switch so HUH t* i with; empl@l cil to permit rapid ref i c; ine witch arms to their norniiai position without over-running and for locking the switch artns in normal position are herein described tor the purpose of t,.learness,'y

but such means are not, herein claimed, being the subject. of a claini in our divisional application No, T84, 225, tiled August. ll, i913.

We are aware that, prior to our present invention` ycontrolliincv ,ystelns have been used which haie been made with :i

switli or siniultant'ously 'o'itril; the ronncctifin betr-:een nach oi i i ir cuits and their r afctivc vt instrumente, and circuits whrreby be taken troni thtl and we are tui.' sonic et such gang swit sii'iichre for "h u :inv et such circuis c contini of thegrang lier aware in const ches inovisi merecen other cir--` le whereby the indiriduul switches coinf ing fre could be separately op elated, I do not claim such combina tions' brf What. we claim i l. 'ihe coinbina'i ing circuits cach coniprisi signal transmitting devices and signal-rem reivinggj incrhaninn,l switchingY devices 'tor each circuit, and cmuiecting circuits between said switching devices, each such switching device being so arranged that in one position it disconnects the signahreftieiving mechanisln trom its circuit, in a second position connects its circuit in series with sonic other circuit, or in a third position connects its circuit with the signal receiving' mechanism and permits its circuit to be connected with circuitsv controlled by other similar switches.

in a. signal-coutrolling system, the coinbination with a circuit including a signalreceiving device and a signaling' circuit, of a switchingr device comprising three sets of contacts, cach set, containing; a number ol contact points, a circuit, including points in each set, a circuit connecting a point of the thirst set with a point of the second set and with one side of the signaling and signalreceiving circuits, a circuit connecting a sccond point ot the lirst ect with the other sidc ol said signalreceiving circuit, a circuit connetting ay point ot' the second set with two points oi the third set, three switch arms having a common actuating means and each adapted to engage one set of contacts, one of said arms being connected to the other side et" the signaling circuit, and circuit connections for the other two arms.

il, ln a signal-controlling' system, the conibination with a circuit iinlndingF a sinnah receiving device and a signaling circuit. ot a switching device comprising three sets of contacts, cach srt containinga number of contact points, a circuit including points in `ach set, a circuit connectin;y a point of the tiret set with a point of the second set and with one Aside ofE the sie'nalin" and signial-y rcccii'inu circuits. a circ. een. itiniaj a second point the first set with the other side et' said signalqcceiving circuits, a circuit ctnincctint;- a point of the second set with two points of the third set, three switch arms having a common actuating means and each adapted to engage one set. of contacts, one et" raid arnfs being connected to the other side of the gnaling circuit, circuit connec-l tions for the other two arms, and means wiicrcbf: any given circuit nia-y he cui oil' without esta ling coiniection, yith the .cries ot signal.-

a buttery and switch 'for 1' su nu:

such

gnaling cirsing three switch arms, sets ofoontact. points arranged to be engugedby such arms, n circuit connecting contact points in each set with a switch iii-m in an adjacent gano' switch, s. circuitconnecting a point of the, first'. set with n point ot the second set and with one side of the signaling and signal-receiving circuit, u circuit connecting a third oint of the first set with the other side of sai signalrcceiving circuit, :i circuitcounecting 'a point ofthe second set with two points ofthe third set and with asecoiid .su-'itch arm in an ntljacent gan switch, the remaining switch arm of eaci set having its to the other side of its signa. ng circuit.

5. In :i signal-.controlling system, the com-i bination with ii signal-receiving deviceof a number of signaling circuits connected thereto, of u gang switch for each signalingcircuit, each: such switchcomprising three :switch arms,f`sets of contact points arranged to be engaged by ls uclil arms, a circu1t con nectmg contact points in each set with n.

switch arm .in an adjacent gang switch, a circuit conuectinwa point of the first-set with a, Inoint of tlziesecond setand with one side of the signaling und signal-receiving circuit, a circuit connecting` n. third point of the first set with the other side-of said sig'- nal-receiving circuit, a circuit connecting a point of the second set with two points of the third set and with n second switch zirm infini adjacent gang switclnthe remaining switch :irni of each set having its pivot connected` to thc other side of its signaling circuit, Aund mechanism arranged to operate Athe gang switches simultaneously or separately.

G. In n signaling system, the combination with a circuit norniaily Aincluding 1i buttery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, 'of a switching device having.; means f or disconnecting sai electromagnetic device from the circuit und substituting` therefor a.

`resistance sufficient to4 maintain normal flow of current'.A

T. In 11. signaling s ifstciu, the combination with a circuit normally including u battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic clevice, of :i switching' device haring means for disconnecting said .electromagnetic device from the circuit and scpnrnte means for substituting` therefor u rt `slance sufficient to maintain normal tiow ol current.

S. In u signaling system two or more circuits each including a battery undl signaling devices, an electromagnetic device, switching' devices connected to the terminals of cach circuit` said switching devices haring interrelated connections und means vconstructed vund arranged todisconnect the electromagnetic device to substitute therefor alreslst- -nnce suicicnt to maintain normal flow of current and to connect said circuit in series with :mother circuit.l

9. In a Signaling system two or more cir- Pivot connected cuits eachinclnding n. battery, signaling-de# vices, and an electromagnetic device, s fuch as a recorder, switching devices'connected ing devices having interrelatedconnections and means constructed and arranged to dis connect the electromagnetic device, togsuhr. stitute therefor a resistance suilicient 4to other circuits Iof the system, or to connecty the so-arranged circuit m serieswithvnnother: circuit. 1.1;

. 10. A silgnaling circuit including a but: tery, sign cordin device in combination with asniitch contro ling two current paths, onev including 'the' recorder and the other a resistanceto stunt potential, a second similar sig`nz'tliii',i

Y' the firstcircuit in series with the second. Il'. A si filing circuit including it bat'- 'tery, signa ing boxes, an electromagnetic recordin device in combination with a switch contro in two current paths, one inciuding vthe .recorcer and the other a resistance. Ito 'maintain normal flow of current, o series of similar signaling circuits and switching com iiections for placing the first circuit in series with either of the other circuits.

. 12. In a. signalin .system u circuit including a battery, signa ing devices and an eleccircuits controlled by each switch, vini-onc- -brunch for excluding the electromagnetic 'device und closing the circuit olii-itself, n second brunch circuit including tliefielec'troof other circuits 1whereby the circuit' may be vconnected in series with saidoihcr circuits and the thirdbranch c icuit for ekcl'uding the electromagnetic device und pi'ittiiir Asaid other circuits.

14. System comprising a seriesofjsig'- nailing circuits, each circuit-4 comprising en battery and signaling devices, an electro`J magnetic device, a gang switch for each' cir.

cuit and interrelatedconnections between muintnin normal fiow of current, to discon-` neet this clrcuit while so arranged'lfizoin ing boxes,an electromagnetiefre:

maintain normal iiowof current under con- 83 circuit und-switching mechanism for placing magnetic device and extending to switchescircuit in sericscpnnection with switches o f t'o the` terminals of each circut,said switch;

tronmgnetic device, such as arccorder, n

switches whereby arefoi-ined three brani-h'- i.

23. In a signaling system, the combina-' tion of two or more circuits each normally including a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, switching devices connected to the terminals of each circuit, Asaid switching devices having inter-related connections, and ineans constructed and arranged to connect any circuit in series with another through a resistance substituted for its corresponding electromagnetic device, said resistance being sutlicient to maintain normal flow of current.

24. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of circuits each normally including a. battery, signaling boxes and an electromagnetic device, and switching devices adapted in their operation to interconnect said circuits in series relation and to substitute a corresponding resistance for the electromagnetic' device ol that circuit which is so connected with another, said resistance being such as to maintain normal flow of current.

Q5. A signaling circuit including a batrent in the two circuits. under the combined potential oil-their batteries.

26. A signaling circuit including a battery, signalii'ig;r boxes and an electromagnetic device, in combination with a plurality ol" similar signaling circuits and a switching,r device, and circuit connections controlled thereby for connecting said first circuit in series with either of the others and substituting a resistance tor the electromagnetic device of the said first circuit to maintain a normal tlow of current in the circuits so connected, under the combined potential of their batteries.

2T. In a signaling system, a circuit including a battery, signaling devices, and an electromagnetic device, a switching device having a pair of cooperating arms connected to the terminals of said circuit, a second and similar circuit adapted to be connected in series with the first, resistances corresponding to the electromagnetic devices and circuit connections with the switch contacts whereby the operation of the switch arms to connect one circuit in series. with the other, substitutes for the electromagnetic device of the first circuit its corresponding resistance.

28. A system comprising in combination, a .plurality of signaling circuits, each including a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device` a gang switch for each circuit, and inter-related connections between said switches, said connections being adapted to form three paths under the control ot the switches, viz., one path excluding the electroniagnetic device and completing the circuit on itself, a second path including the electromagnetic device and eX- tending to switches of other circuits whereby said circuit may be connected in series with any other, and a. third pat-h including a resistance which is substituted for the electromagnetic device when the circuit including the latter is connected in series with any other signaling circuit.

2S). A system comprising in combination, a plurality of signaling circuits, each including a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device` a gang switch for each circuit and inter-related connections between said switches, said connections forming three paths adapted to be controlled by the operation of each switch, viz., a .resistance path excluding the electromagnetic device and completing a signaling circuit on itself; second, a path including the electiomagnetie device and extending to switches of other circuits whereby the circuit may be connected in series with any of said other circuits, and third, a resistance path excluding the electromagnetic device and :ulapted to connecty @e circuit in series relation with the switches of other circuits.

SO. A system comprising in combination, a plurality of sivnaling circuits, each containing a, battery, signaling devices and an f lcctroniagnetic device, a gang switch for each circuit. and inter-related connections between such switches forming complete circuits controlled by each switch, one of said circuits being disconnected from any other signaling circuit, and another circuit independent of the other signaling circuits, but adapted to have any of said circuits connected therewith in seriesc 31. A system comprising in combination, a series of signaling circuits, eachcontaining a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, a gang switch for each circuit and inter-related connectioi s between said switches, forming complete circuits controlled by each switch, one of said circuits containing a resistance corresponding to the electromagnetic device and being disconnected from any other circuit, andanother circuit independent of the others but adapted to have any other circuit connected in series therewith.

32. A system comprising in combination a plurality of signaling circuits, each containing a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, a gang switch for each circuit and inter-related .connections between said switches constituting complete circuits controlled by said switch, one' constituting a signaling circuit disconnected from any other, and another a signaling circuit adapted to be connected in serieswith any other signaling circuit not disconnected from the system.

33. A system conlprising in combination a plurality of signaling circuits, each normally containing a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, a gang switch for each of said circuits and inten related connections between said switcbeA` constituting complete. circuits controlled by each switch, one of said circuits including a resistance in place, of the electro-magnetic device but disconnected from any other cir cuits, and another adapted to be connected in series with any signaling circuit not die` connected from the system.

34. A system comprising in combination, a plurality of signaling circuits, each normally containing a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, a gang switch foreach circuit and inter-related con nections between said switches, constituting complete circuits controlled by cach switch, one of said circuits forming a signaling circuit independent of other circuits, but in condition to cooperate with any other signaling circuit that may be connected therewith, and another circuit in condition to cooperate with any other signaling circuit not disconnected from the system with which it may be connected in series.

35. A system comprising in combination, a plurality of signaling circuits, each nor- ,mally containing a battery, signaling devices and an electromagnetic device, a gang switch for each circuit and inter-related connections between said switches constituting complete circuits controlled by each switch, one of said circuits forming a signaling circuit independent of the others and in condition to coperate with any other signaling circuit that may be connected in series therewith, and another including a resistance in place of the electromagnetic device and in condition to coperate with any other signaling` circuit with which it may be connected in series.

36. In a signaling system, the combination with a repeater, of a series of signaling circuits, each circuit including a battery and signaling devices and connected to the repeater, and a correspondingl series of gang switches, each gang switch comprising mechanically connected switch arms 8, 9, 10, and contacts 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Q2, said arm 8 arranged to engage contacts M, 15, 16 and having its pivot connected to connected contacts 14, 19 and 21 ot an' adjacent switch of the series, contact 15 connected in series with the repeater to one side of the battery, contact 16 connected to contact 17 which is directly connected to the same side of the battery, said arm 9 having its pivot connected to the other side ot1 the battery and arranged to engage cont-acts 17, 18, and 19, contact 18 connected to contacts 2O and larm 8 being arranged ti 22 and to the site gang switch to the arm 1U arranged O and 22 and hat its ,of contact si', righttlie 5;?, ln a, sif tion with a r y f circuits, each i t including battery' and signaling devic and connected to the repeater, and a corresponding series of gang switches, each gang switch comprising me chanically connected switch arms 8, 9, .i0 and Contacts i4, i5, is, i?, is, is, so. ai, said arin 8 arranged to engage contacts 14, 15, 16 and having its pir-,ot contacted to connected contacts la, ifi and of an adjacent, switch of the series and contact l5 connected in series with the repeater to one side ot' the battery, contact 16 connected to contact 17 which is directly connected to the saine side of the battery, and a resistance sutil cient to maintain normal dow of current in such direct connection said arm .9 having its pivot connected to the other side ot the battery, and arranged to engage contacts 17, 18 and 19, contact .18 cminected to contacts 90 and QQ and to pivot of arm 10 ot the next gang switch to the lett in the series, and arm 10 arranged to engage contacts Qi), Q1, 22

' afin if ci the i in *ne series., a

vand having its pivot connected with contact 22 of the next gang switch to the right in the series. i

38. In a signaling system, the combination ot a series ot sigimling` circuits, connected to a repeater. each circuit including a battery and signaling deifices, a gang Switch for each circuit. haiing circuit connections directly connecting cach side of the battery to the switch and one side of the battery thrtu'igli the regulator to the switch, said gang switches haring' inier-connected cir cuits and contacts muistituting means whereby each gang swiica can (1) complete and dissociate its own circuit from the system and frorn the repeater while inaii'itaining closed circuit relations with adjacent gane switches,r (Q) can connect its own circuit with the repeater and permit an): other gang switch in series position to connect its naling circuit with the repeater, and can disconnect from the repeater its own signaling` circuit and connect it to said repeater through any other gang switch in normal position.

In a signaling system, the combination with. a repeater, of a series el signaling circuits, each circuitI including a battery and signaling devices and connected to the repeater, and a corresponding series of gang l, intacts id, 15, 16 and being cennected to contacte iii,

19, 21 of a second switch in the series, contact 14 being connected to contacts 19 and 21 and to arm 8 of a third switch in the series, contact l'being connected in series with the repeater to one side of the circuit, contact 16 being connected to contact 17 and directly to the same side of the circuit; said arm 9 being arranged to engage contacts 17, 18, 19 and being connected to the other side of the circuit, contact 18 being connected to contacts 20 and 22 and to arm 10 of said second switch inv the series; and said arm 10 being arranged to engage contacts 20, 21, 22 and being connected to contacts 18, 20, 22 of said third switch in the series.

40. In a signaling system, the combination with a repeater, of a series of signaling circuits, each circuit including a battery and signaling devices and connected to the repeater, and a corresponding series of gang switches, each gang switch coniprising mechanically connected switch arms 8, 9, 10, and contacts 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22; said arm 8 being arranged to engage contacts 14, 15, 16 and being connectedto con? nected contacts 14, 19 and 21 of a second switch in the series, contact 14 ,being connected to contacts 19 and 21 and to arm 8 of a third switch in the series, cont-act 15 being connected in series with the repeater to one side of the circuit, contact 16 being connected to contact 17 and through a resistance sufficient to maintain normal flow of current to the same side of the circuit; said arm 9 being arranged to engage cont-acts 17, 18, 19 and being connected to the other side of the circuit, contact 18 being connected to contacts 20 and 22 and to arm 10 of said sccond switch in the series; and said arm 10 being arranged to engage contacts 20, 21, 22 and being connected to connected contacts 18, 20 and 22 of said third switch in the series.

In testimony whereof, we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

CLARENCE E. BEACH. HERMAN 1V. DOUGHTY. iVitnesses 1V. R. GOUDY, E. V. SToonLEY. 

